Karlis Kaufmanis Lecture Series

Recent Lecture

The Kaufmanis Lecture has been CANCELED due to the weather. The lecture will be rescheduled for fall 2019. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to seeing you in the fall.
If you have questions, contact Andrea Stronghart at astrong@umn.edu or 612-624-7053.

Cosmic Gold: Neutron Star Mergers, Gravitational Waves, and the Origin of the Elements

Scientists have recently developed a new way to `see' the universe, using gravitational waves predicted by Einstein nearly a century ago. These waves can teach us about some of the most exotic objects known, including dead stars known as black holes and neutron stars. Remarkably, they have also helped solve a longstanding puzzle about where in the Universe some of the elements we know and love here on Earth are produced, including uranium, platinum, and even gold. Eliot Quataert will describe the exciting and remarkable new results coming out of our first steps into this new era.

Dr. Barbara Smuts, Psychology and Anthropology, University of Michigan

1991

Dr. Robert Ballard, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute

1990

Dr. Clyde Tombaugh, New Mexico State University (the discoverer of Pluto)

1989

Dr. John Horner, curator of paleontology at the Museum of the Rockies

1987

Dr. George "Pinky" Nelson, astronaut

About the Program

The Kaufmanis Lecture is presented in memory of beloved Professor of Astronomy Karlis Kaufmanis. One of the U's greatest teachers, he taught more than 26,000 students and is often remembered for his popular "Star of Bethlehem" lectures. Professor Kaufmanis' enthusiasm for astronomy affected everyone who came into contact with him.

The Karlis Kaufmanis Lecture Series brings distinguished scientists to the campus to provide public lectures on the latest hot topics in research.